Ruminations on law and life

On illegal aliens and what’s not so funny.

What’s funny isn’t so funny if you have context. 87% of those commenting on an NBC online news report found themselves “laughing” that discount retailerswere selling an illegal alien costume this Halloween.

Admittedly, especially in Arizona, it’s unpopular to sympathize with the plight of those illegally crossing our borders. After all, Arizona’s the home of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the self-proclaimed, so-called Toughest Sheriff in America.

The bombastically popular Arpaio has made neighborhood immigration sweeps a signature activity of his department. But despite this and actually, because of it, I’m attuned even more to what occurs at my home state’s borders.

According to the Border Patrol, the number of deaths among illegal crossers at the US-Mexico Border increased over 2008. Nearer to Phoenix, the Tucson border sector reports a 30% jump in deaths this year. The remains of 60 people were found through the first half of fiscal year 2009. And even for those making it across the border, the dangers continue. Human traffickers called “Coyotes” are increasingly more and more violent.

Counter arguments.

I am acutely aware, indeed sensitive to the opposing arguments of U.S. border residents. They face threats posed by these illegal trespassers to their communities and property.

Additionally, the peril to Arizona’s environmental wilderness can’t be ignored. Environmentalists are understandably upset at the detritus, destruction and disruption caused by the immigrant trespassers. No question, then, that it’s an ever widening problem.

There’s understandable stress, even justifiable outrage among near-border residents. Many regularly encounter unwelcome, unexpected trespassers on their properties. What are they supposed to do when their complaints fall on deaf ears?

And people using near-border recreational facilities to camp, hike, mountain-bike and trail ride on horseback have become progressively more afraid. Don’t leave a campsite unattended, for instance, or on your return, you may find items have disappeared. Recreational-users ask themselves whether or not it’s still safe for them and their families to peaceably enjoy outdoor activities near the border.

Lame humor.

A lame Halloween attempt at humor belies the weighty underlying problems of illegal immigration. There are complicated dangers on both sides. But far worse is the attempt at unfair sport at the expense of tragic circumstances with even deadlier consequences this year.